The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving novel Chapter 169

Evelyn heard a car honked and looked up. She saw a Bentley parked by the roadside with its hazard lights on, and the driver got out to respectfully open the door for her. It was then that she remembered it was Valentine's Day that day.

She knew Lucas was only going through with the date to appease Maria, but today was also an opportunity. She could finally discuss the issue with the ring with him in person.

"Okay," she replied quietly.

"I'll wait for you," Lucas said, sounding relaxed.

Evelyn got into the car. She wasn't particularly concerned about where they were headed. She closed her eyes and rested quietly, not paying attention to the lively street outside.

Eventually, she was taken to Riverton Bistro, a rooftop restaurant.

It was almost ironic.

In all these years, Lucas had never spent a single Valentine's Day with her. The one time he did, it was after their divorce, and it was only because Maria had forced him into it.

Now that the thing she had once hoped for had finally come to pass, she couldn't bring herself to care. In fact, it felt rather laughable.

Evelyn treated the evening as just a formality. She followed the manager to the table with the best view.

She looked up and saw Lucas already seated.

He wore a dark gray custom suit, the jacket draped casually over one side. The dark gray vest, with its impeccable texture, accentuated his powerful physique—wide shoulders and a narrow waist. Even though he was just sitting there and doing nothing, it was enough to draw attention.

On the chair diagonally across from him was a large bouquet of red roses.

Lucas glanced at her and asked, "Do you like the flowers?"

Evelyn hesitated.

He had never given her flowers before, nor had he ever done the usual things that husbands or boyfriends did to nurture their relationship with their partners. She used to expect such gestures, but over time, any feelings of anticipation were extinguished by repeated indifference.

She wondered if there was someone watching them since this was Maria's arrangement. Otherwise, why would Lucas be this attentive?

In the first year of their marriage, Maria had been concerned that their relationship might falter, so she had someone keep an eye on them. With that past experience in mind, Evelyn made the assumption.

Lucas glanced at her. "There's no need to be so polite."

His words seemed to carry an underlying meaning, but Evelyn didn't probe further.

The meal passed in silence.

Anyone who didn't know would think they were strangers sharing a table—not a couple—on Valentine's Day.

Evelyn had a small appetite and didn't eat much, but she couldn't help but notice that all the dishes on the table had one thing in common—there was not a single trace of almonds. Even two dishes that typically used almonds for garnish had been substituted with coconut flakes.